Bwindi (Uganda) and Serengeti (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Bwindi | Serengeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | Forest | National park |
| Approx. area | 321 km² | 14,763 km² |
| Best time | June to August and December to February | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Bwindi | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in April and December
- you want gorilla trekking, hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in May and September to October
- you want game drives, hot-air balloon flights, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, black rhino and buffalo
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bwindi or Serengeti?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Bwindi is stronger in April and December. Serengeti is stronger in May and September to October.
When is the best time for each?
Bwindi: June to August and December to February. Serengeti: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals) · TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.